econ phd sop

Chris Blattman

Phd applicants: writing your statement of purpose.

• January 11, 2022

I’ve read a lot of personal statements for PhD applications. I sat on admissions at UChicago, Columbia, and Yale, mostly in economics, political science, and public policy. Here’s the advice I’ve given my own students and research assistants to craft their statements. I give it because, sadly, I don’t find most statements helpful. This means they are not helping you, the applicant.

As with all my advice posts, it’s important that students outside elite colleges get this information, so here are some personal thoughts.

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First, let’s clarify your number one job as an applicant: Send the best, clearest signal of your abilities as a future researcher, and minimize the noise around that signal. I explain why in a longer post on whether and how you should apply to PhD programs (including the other elements of an application packet):

the fundamental problems in graduate admissions are “information overload” and “noise”. For every slot in a PhD program, there are probably 30 to 50 applicants. A department that plans to have a class of 20 students may receive 1000 applications. Meanwhile, most departments delegate admissions to a small committee of two to six faculty. They don’t have time to read 1000 applications in detail. And the committee may change every year. Thus, their experience may be limited. And you never know who will be on the committee or what they care about. This adds further randomness. These faculty want to admit the most talented and creative young researchers who will push the field ahead. And they also want you to pass all the most technical classes, because they hate kicking students out. So the admissions committee are looking for strong signals of intelligence, creativity, determination, and other proclivities for research. But this is hard . There are too many applications. Applicants don’t have many good ways to signal quality. All applicants are trying to send the same signals. And there is a ton of uncertainty around each signal. Hence: Information overload and noise.

Yet most schools as for a written statement of some kind. Sometimes they ask for both a biographical statement and a research statement. What do they want and what should you write?

• Don’t tell your life story. This statement is not an undergrad entry essay where you describe your life’s trials and tribulations, or your journey to wanting to do a PhD. It’s not that we don’t care. It’s just that it’s probably not relevant to judging your ability as a researcher. If it is, then weave that into the narrative around your research interests and plans. We have hundreds of these things to read and so you only want to focus on the most important information.
• Don’t be cliché. Do not start your with your epiphany—the day the scales fell from your eyes and you realized you wanted to be a professor, or were inspired tackle big questions and social issues. Especially if it involves a child in a poor country. This approach is overused and unoriginal, and the information does not help us judge whether you will be a great researcher (see point 1).
• Platitudes about wanting to be a professor or researcher
• Generic or flattering statements about being excited to join a program, your admiration for the faculty, etc.
• Unspecific interests in a research subject or field
• Routine information such as “I am graduating in May…”
• Filler sentences like “Please find enclosed…”
• Start with your broad fields of interest (e.g. “I am principally interested in labor and development economics” or “I want to work at the intersection of comparative politics and international relations”)
• Then give 2-3 examples of broad topics and questions that interest you. (“I’m interested in studying inefficiencies in labor markets, especially market power and monopsony. I’m also interested in…”)
• Are tenure or tenure-track faculty
• Have their primary appointment in the department you are applying to
• Are actually there and take students (i.e. they didn’t retire last year, etc.)
• You could discuss two ideas in moderate depth, or one idea in greater depth. Either way, I recommend this research discussion be 40-60% of your entire statement.
• Ideally this is a question or topic of current interest in the field. One thing I often see is that students are focussed on the research frontier 10 years ago (because those are the papers they read in their classes) and are not clued in to some of the current puzzled and priorities. This is hard to avoid, but some reading and your advisors should be able to help you avoid this.
• The best discussions will (if empirical) identify interesting data and discuss plausible empirical strategies. This is difficult, which is why it is a good signal if you do it well.
• It’s important to locate your question in the literature without overdoing that discussion. Try to motivate the question with reference to recent and recognizable research papers and agendas. If you are mainly citing articles with few citations, in lower-ranked journals, this is a sign that you need to link your idea to bigger debates in the field, or perhaps rethink the question you are proposing.
• This is (in my experience) the most crucial section for most social science departments. Except possibly economics. It’s not clear how seriously many departments take your statement in economics, and some of my colleagues profess to never look at the statement. That may be true, but some will look, and you have to have a statement, so I suggest following this advice to make it a research proposal.
• Why you studied physics but now are doing political science
• What happened in that single bad semester on your transcript
• How to interpret your foreign GPA, and where you ranked in your class
• Clarify your classes if they have off names (e.g. “My class called XX was a Real Analysis class using textbook X, and so I have all the mathematical requirements for entry.”
• Get help. Your letter writers, professors you work for, or PhD student you know can read and give feedback on your statements. Ask them for their advice. Do this early–a couple months before the application, ideally. they can help you frame your question in a more interesting way, decide what papers to mention, or what is or is not frontier.
• Don’t be repetitive. This is not the place to restate your CV (“First I worked for Professor… and then I worked for…”). They have your CV. Use this document to do something no other in your application can do. Only mention work or other experience if you can add essential, high-density information the reader cannot get elsewhere in the application packet. Maybe you picked up specific technical skills working on a project that relate to the research proposal you just described? If not, you don’t have to say anything at all about your past. Just let the research proposal speak for itself.
• I recommend using the Hemingway Editor as a tool to write more clearly. Some long and complex sentences are ok, but sparingly. And they can often be improved. Aim for a grade 10 reading level.
• Use active voice
• Omit needless material and words (see points 3 and 9)
• Limit jargon
• Each paragraph should be a distinct idea
• Paragraphs should have a hierarchical structure, with the big idea or general point as the first topic sentence, and the rest of the paragraph elaborates. Someone should be able to get an “executive summary” but simply reading the first line in every paragraph. they should make sense as a story/summary.
• Use subheadings if possible, to delineate sections such as your broad fields of interest (point 4), your research proposal (point 5), and other key information (point 6)

This is just my view. Other professors will have different preferences and advice here. So ask them. Get more opinions. Or put your advice in the comments below.

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Sample Economics PhD Statement of Purpose

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In statement of purpose.

The following statement of purpose is written by an applicant who got accepted to top Ph.D. programs in economics. Variations of this SOP got accepted at MIT, Yale, and Brown. Read this essay to get inspiration and understand what a top Ph.D. economics SOP should look like.

Sample Statement of Purpose Ph.D. Economics

Inequality is a grim reality in the present-day world. Development topography is not homogenous. The contrast between developed and underdeveloped regions is far more severe in developing countries. Bad matters are made worse when the tools of development, meant to iron out differences, accentuate inequality.

The difference between Meridione, from where I belong, and Trentino is extremely. Unfortunately, the gap is widening with every passing year. The prime reason is the improper allocation of development funds because there is no criterion for the distribution of funds within 47 districts of Italy. Meager allocation fails to alleviate depravity because development projects are marred with ill conception, vague and intangible objectives, ineffective implementation regimes, and corruption. In addition, there is a gulf between academia and public sector officers. Consequently, underdeveloped regions of Meridione are sinking below the poverty line. Hence, I intend to obtain a Ph.D. in Economics to get insight into development paradigms and advanced research techniques so that I can give informed input for policy-level decisions.

My formal academic research has focused on funds distribution among various government tiers. In 2021, as an MS Economics dissertation, I explored the issue “Fiscal Decentralization & Service Delivery Mechanism: a case study of five districts of Meridione”. At that time, Italy had recently experimented with the devolution of power, which resulted in fiscal decentralization. Based on the analysis of the Annual Development Plan of five districts, I concluded that the rhetoric of budgetary decentralization was merely a façade because districts were dependent on the provinces’ provision of funds and plans had a regional footprint.

During my Master’s, I researched ‘Political Economy of Development Expenditure: verdict drawn from the provincial analysis.’ The Under-Development Index (UDI) composite index was developed using Factor Analysis based on 24 variables from UNICEF’s sponsored Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey of Meridione (MICS). Results showed that the topography of Meridione in terms of socio-economic development is rugged, and fund allocation was not correlated with the level of development. Both ‘deprived districts’ and ‘crucial sectors’ have been ignored due to political preferences. Therefore, I want to carry forward this work in my Ph.D.

During firsthand experience with developmental projects, I closely studied each project. I used statistical and research techniques to perform analysis. As a result, I found out that projects failed to deliver the envisaged objectives due to various factors which worked individually and simultaneously. For example, a project titled ‘Tree Plantation at Fort Harilaq’ failed to achieve its intended objectives because, due to improper planning eucalyptus plant (which requires an excessive amount of water) was planted in the hills of Fort Harilaq, which has no underground water. In another project titled ‘Establishment of emergency services at 12 districts of Meridione’, cheaper but non-durable ambulances were purchased without cost-benefit analysis.

Similarly, in a project titled ‘Elimination of bonded labor in brickkilns,’ a study was conducted after the execution of a project to check whether the labor was bonded or voluntary. There are numerous projects and numerous issues. I tried to voice everything. Even written in newspapers. I soon observed that the reporting resulted in improvements; even new projects were not designed in light of recommendations on old projects. Therefore, I gave the exam for the senior position of Assistant Chief and joined the appraisal section, which dealt with the project at the conception stage rather than evaluation which is carried out post-completion. To my surprise, appraisals should have been given more importance. The department pursued its projects as per its plan. The reason behind this stinginess was disclosed to me at a later stage.

My firsthand experience of development has shown that there is a gulf between academia and bureaucracy. Italy has well-known scholars and intellectuals, but their studies are outside the practical realm. Therefore, most government processes remain stagnant. Academia cannot be blamed for this sorry state. The bureaucrats and policymakers also need to engage academia or incorporate the results of their studies.

Consequently, both streams work in their silos. In the public sector, there are few Ph.D. The unfortunate part of the equation is that people from academia are only welcome if they join the public sector. For instance, the post of Chief Economist has been vacant for five years and is being run through an additional charge. In fact, since 1970, only one Ph.D. from academia was posted for the position, and the remaining part was filled through ad-hoc arrangements.

I want to pursue a Ph.D. in Economics specializing in Development Economics for the above reasons. I want to develop a which could give a yardstick to governments for the distribution of funds to different regions based on their backwardness and sectors on account of their importance. Moreover, I would like to abridge the gulf between academia and bureaucrats so that instead of working in silos, they sync their efforts to use the latest advancements in the field. In addition, because of the knowledge and techniques gained from the exposure, I would like to evolve the government process. Lastly, I would like to develop policy guidelines for each public sector development project category so recurrent issues are not repeated and optimum use of public resources is done. I have always used and implemented the knowledge gained.

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• Administration

The department of Economics at Harvard University is committed to seeking out and mentoring scholars who wish to pursue a rigorous and rewarding career in economic research. Our graduates are trailblazers in their fields and contribute to a diverse alumni community in both the academic and non-academic sectors. We invite you to learn more about the PhD program in Economics . Have questions about applying? Please thoroughly check the GSAS admission website before emailing us at: [email protected] . 

Harvard does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability unrelated to job or course of study requirements, and we actively  seek applicants  from historically underrepresented communities. We hope you’ll consider applying. Immigration status does not factor into decisions about admissions and financial aid. For more information, see  Undocumented at Harvard . 

Apply to Economics @Harvard

Application Requirements

• Completed online application form (Must be completed by December 1st)
• Statement of Purpose
• Transcripts for all college/university degrees and courses Self-reported transcripts are accepted for both all programs at the application stage. Applicants must upload copies of his/her transcripts to the online application system. Hard copy transcripts will only be required if admitted to a program, prior to enrollment.
• Current GRE scores
• TOEFL or IELTS scores (non-native English speakers see details below)
• Three letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic source). Recommendation letters must be submitted online through the online application system. 
• Application fee 
• Writing sample (at least 15 pages in length)

All applicants are required to take the  General Test of the Graduate Record Examination  (GRE). Test scores are valid for five years (scores must be from no earlier than January 5, 2019 for Fall 2024 admission). Applicants are, however, advised to take the exam no later than mid-November. There is no minimum test score requirement. A department code is not required for score submission. Institution Codes for PhD Programs GRE: 3451

Financial Aid

All admitted students are awarded a financial package which includes tuition, single-person health insurance, living stipend for the first two years, teaching and research assistant stipends and a completion fellowship in the final year of the program.

International Applications

Adequate command of spoken and written English is required for admission. Applicants whose native language is other than English and who do not hold a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an institution at which English is the language of instruction must submit  TOEFL  or IELTS scores.

TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for two years. (scores must be from no earlier than January 5, 2022 for Fall 2024 admission). The committee prefers scores of at least 100 on the internet-based test.  Institution Codes for Toefl score reports PhD programs: 3451

Reapplicants

Applicants who applied last year are considered reapplicants. Those reapplying must submit a completely new application. The new application must include all required documents to be provided by the applicant - we will not re-use material previously submitted. These materials include an updated statement of purpose, transcripts, test score reports, updated letters of recommendation, the application fee, and any other supporting materials

Please note, Harvard University will accept no more than three applications from any one individual over the course of his/her lifetime.

Applying to more than one Program

Harvard has several PhD programs that may also be of interest to students considering applying to the PhD program in economics. These include Business Economics, Political Economy and Government, Public Policy, and Health Policy.  Many students in these programs have considerable overlap in their coursework with courses offered to PhD students in economics.   Many also have dissertation committees that include faculty members of the economics department. Please refer to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for applicable program deadlines.  (Deadlines have already passed for some programs this year but not for others.) We encourage those with interest in any of those programs to also apply to those programs. The economics department will make admissions decisions independently, so application to or admission to other programs will not adversely affect admissions decisions within the Economics department. If you opt to apply, please note, the Graduate School will not accept more than three applications from any individual during the course of his or her academic career. 

Application Assistance and Mentoring Program

Many students interested in an economics PhD experience disparate degrees of support in the application process. The Application Assistance and Mentoring Program (AAMP) aims to mitigate these gaps by helping students from underrepresented groups connect with a graduate student mentor in MIT or Harvard’s PhD economics programs. These mentors can provide:

• Advice on graduate school and fellowship applications, including questions about the application process and feedback on application materials.

• Information about economics research, life as a PhD student or in an academic career, for students who are deciding whether a PhD in economics is the right choice for them.

The AAMP aims to increase the pipeline of diverse talent in economics PhD programs and welcomes participation from all groups underrepresented in economics, including but not limited to: Black, Hispanic-Latinx, Native American, low-income, and LGBTQ+ students, women, students with disabilities, and students who are the first in their families to go to college. The AAMP welcomes participation among students at various stages of their economics studies, including undergraduates and college graduates. The AAMP is open to students who are curious about the academic economics experience and interested in figuring out if it’s right for them. 

Interested participants should fill out the application linked below. We will accept applications until July 17th, 2023. Mentorship will begin over the summer and continue through Fall 2023. Mentees who prefer to meet for a single “coffee chat” may indicate their preference on the form. We will do our best to match all interested applicants with a mentor; however, demand may exceed the availability of mentors.

Please note that the MIT / Harvard Economics AAMP is a volunteer-based, student-run program. This program is not considered part of the admissions process for the Economics PhD at MIT or Harvard, nor will any student's participation in the AAMP be considered by the Graduate Admissions Committee at either school.

Please direct any questions to [email protected] . To join the program, please click the link below to fill out the form.

Application Assistance and Mentoring Program Form

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Statement of Purpose 

The statement of purpose is very important to programs when deciding whether to admit a candidate. Your statement should be focused, informative, and convey your research interests and qualifications. You should describe your reasons and motivations for pursuing a graduate degree in your chosen degree program, noting the experiences that shaped your research ambitions, indicating briefly your career objectives, and concisely stating your past work in your intended field of study and in related fields. Your degree program of interest may have specific guidance or requirements for the statement of purpose, so be sure to review the degree program page for more information. Unless otherwise noted, your statement should not exceed 1,000 words. 

Personal Statement

A core part of the Harvard Griffin GSAS mission is to identify and attract the most promising students to form a dynamic and diverse community. We are committed to educating individuals who reflect the growing diversity of perspectives and life experiences represented in society today and who will contribute to our commitment to sustain a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment. Please share how your experiences or activities will advance our mission and commitment. Your statement should be no longer than 500 words.

Writing Sample 

Please visit Degree Programs and navigate to your degree program of interest to determine if a writing sample is required. When preparing your writing sample, be sure to follow program requirements, which may include format, topic, or length. 

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How to Write an SOP for MS/Doctoral/PhD in Economics?

Are you applying for a Masters/ Doctoral program in Economics? In that case, chances are you must have recognized the pivotal role that certain documents play in the admissions process. Some of these include your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and resume, which carry substantial weight and are closely assessed by the admissions committee. But do you know what else can make or break your admission? 

It’s the Statement of Purpose!

The Statement of Purpose (SOP) can distinguish your application from a competitive pool of candidates and elevate your prospects of securing admission to a Master, or Doctoral program in Economics. Its significance is paramount. When writing an SOP for Economics, make sure to include your area of interest, the tools you are familiar with, your project experiences, and how the selected university’s course and department align with your career/ research objectives.

A well-drafted SOP is a strategic asset that includes your aspirations, academic journey, your goals, and the distinct value you bring to the academic community. This is why Yocket houses experts, who have reviewed over 10,000 SOPs and helped students secure admission to hundreds of top universities across the world.

Join Yocket Premium today to get a stellar SOP

Now, read this blog till the end to get all the answers to the question - “How to Write an SOP for MS/Doctoral/PhD in Economics?”

Brainstorming, free-writing, and collecting your thoughts are the beginning of any writing task. Your SOP should walk the admission committee through all the relevant life experiences, academic and professional background (if applicable), career goals, co-curricular activities, volunteering/community involvement, and more. 

Therefore, make sure to refer to the following guidelines to draft a stellar sample SOP for a master's in Economics program.

Also read : What is an SOP?

Introduction

Try to answer the following questions:

What pushed you to choose Economics or finance as your interest? What is the most robust experience that led you to choose this field? 

It could be something like - you read a news article on a new government policy affecting your favorite commodity that stated several economic factors backing it up. That made you wonder how certain economic factors affect government policies and the price of commodities, and vice-versa. Thus, your curiosity led you to research and soon became a passion for Economics.

Once you’ve decided upon these, begin drafting your SOP. While writing,

• Begin your introduction with an attention-grabbing experience evocating your journey into the field. 
• Alternatively, you can begin with a research problem statement you consider exploring in your MSc/Masters/Doctoral/PhD program. 
• Some programs directly seek an SOP that is more of a research proposal than otherwise.

For example, Harvard University has an excellent guide to drafting a statement of purpose. It provides a step-by-step process, while also giving numerous prompts that will help you. These prompts usually focus on directing you on how to write about experiences that shaped your research mindset. Therefore, your SOP can start with a relevant anecdote that gave your research interest a direction and motivated you to pursue a career in Economics. Once completed, you’re ready to move to the second paragraph.

Second Paragraph

In this part, you can discuss the relevant academic and life experiences that have strengthened your interest and motivation to pursue a higher education in Economics. 

• Discuss relevant undergraduate experiences or courses in which you have developed a particular interest. For example, you must have developed an interest in economic statistics to choose this subject. 
• Touch upon a few course specifics and how these led you to develop your portfolio and inspired you to work on projects relevant to this interest. 
• You can discuss interesting research or projects you worked on or relevant co-curricular experiences worth sharing. Ensure your experiences align with your interest in the Economics program you’re applying for.

For instance, if you are applying for a Ph.D. in Economics, with prior experience and a project on rural economy, make sure to present tangible outcomes. This can be something like portraying the effects of inflation on wealth distribution among different sections of a rural area. This stands as a relevant project experience, which you can illustrate in the SOP for admission to a Ph.D. in Economics.

Now that you’re figuring out how to draft an SOP, why don’t you filter some universities for an advanced degree in Economics? Check out Yocket College Finder to find your fit. We promise it’ll take only a few minutes. 

Third Paragraph

Coming to the third paragraph, let’s ponder for a bit. Our life includes various challenges and failures, doesn’t it? Sometimes, things happen to us which could not have been avoided, no matter what. Now think, have you faced any setbacks in your academics? If you end up getting low grades, this is where you discuss them. 

Remember, your GPA does not define you. Yes, it is a crucial part of the admission process. Yes, high GPAs have huge advantages. But, if you can explain why you had lesser scores, what led to them, and how you actively took the responsibility of fixing them, the admission committee will highly appreciate it. 

Here, you discuss 

• Have you faced any unique challenges or setbacks that have redefined your perspectives or interests? 
• How did you overcome these challenges, and what is/are the positive outcomes of these experiences? 
• Reflecting on the lessons from these experiences is essential to underscore your resilience.

Fourth Paragraph

In the fourth paragraph, you can discuss all your extracurricular activities. Remember that Universities are interested to know more than just academics. So, go ahead and speak about your hobbies, social work, volunteering, etc., here. You can also discuss workshops or certifications you have taken to upgrade your skills. However, it’s imperative not to make a sample SOP for undergraduate Ph.D. or graduate Economics an embellished version of your resume.

Click here to find the Top 25 Universities in the World

Fifth Paragraph

Work experience, though not mandatory, is an effective way to demonstrate your competence to the admission committee. It can provide evidence of your abilities, skills, and capacity to apply your knowledge in a practical setting. That is what you add in this paragraph. But if you do not have full-time work experience, you can also discuss your internship experiences, specific learnings, and take-aways. Identify a knowledge gap and the need for you to go for a Master's/Ph.D. in Economics. Ask yourself the questions -  How has the work experience/s influenced your career goals? Why do you wish for an MSc/Masters/Doctoral/PhD now? Additionally,

• Define your short-term and long-term goals. 
• How will the MSc/Masters/Doctoral/PhD program from a specific Economics school help you achieve these goals? 
• How does the program align with your areas of interest?

The best universities for Economics assess your conviction in applying to their programs. Justify your reasons for the choice of the school and the program. Try to understand the school's values and devise this paragraph accordingly.

Suggested: Masters in Economics Abroad

One of the best ways to write a cohesive SOP is to have a conclusion that is as good as the introductory paragraph. Follow these guidelines to write one.

• What capabilities equip you to contribute to the University?
• How can you be an asset to the University?
• What activities, clubs, sports, student associations, groups, etc., piqued your interest?
• What diverse experiences do you bring to your future graduate community?

End the SOP with your expectations from the program and how you look forward to receiving, assimilating, and contributing to new knowledge at the University.

Your SOP can be the reason behind your acceptance or rejection to your dream university. Join the Premium cohort to get 1:1 personalized guidance for your study abroad journey!

Do’s and Don'ts of Writing a Statement of Purpose Economics  

We’ve already discussed the do’s of writing a Statement of Purpose in Economics, but what about the don’ts?

Well, there are plenty. Remember that a Statement of Purpose (SOP) in Economics is a critical part of your application for graduate programs or research positions. Avoiding common mistakes or "don'ts" is as important as following the "do's" to create a compelling SOP. Here are some key things to avoid:

Irrelevant Information : Don't include irrelevant details about your personal life, hobbies, or experiences that are not directly related to your academic or career goals. Keep your SOP focused on your academic and professional journey.

Generic Statements : Avoid making broad, generic statements about your interest in Economics. Instead, provide specific examples of what interests you, such as particular subfields or research questions.

Plagiarism: Never copy SOPs from online sources or other applicants. Plagiarism can lead to immediate rejection and damage your academic reputation.

False Information : Be truthful in your SOP. Don't exaggerate your achievements, skills, or experiences. Admissions committees value honesty.

Lack of Clarity and Structure : Don't write in a disorganized or haphazard manner. Your SOP should have a clear and logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Use transition sentences to guide the reader.

Failure to Address Weaknesses : If you have academic or professional weaknesses (e.g., a lower GPA), it's often advisable to address them briefly and explain how you've overcome or learned from them.

Failure to Tailor to the Program : Don't use a generic SOP for all the programs you apply to. Each SOP should be tailored to the specific program and highlight how it aligns with your goals and interests.

Lack of Proofreading : Avoid submitting an SOP with grammar or spelling errors. Carefully proofread your statement, and consider having someone else review it as well.

Remember that a Statement of Purpose is your opportunity to make a compelling case for why you are an ideal candidate for the program. Take your time to craft a thoughtful and well-structured statement that reflects your genuine passion for Economics and your potential contributions to the field.

Also read: Top Letter of Recommendation Samples for Masters

Top Universities for Economics

The choice of the top universities for economics can vary depending on specific criteria, such as location, program offerings, faculty expertise, and research opportunities. However, several universities consistently rank among the top for economics worldwide, with various tuition fee structures. 

Many doctoral programs in the USA, especially in fields like economics, are often fully funded through assistantships or fellowships. However, master's programs, especially those at top universities, typically come with tuition costs. These costs can vary significantly between universities and may also depend on the specific master's program within the university. Here's a general idea of what to expect for master's program tuition fees at some of the top universities for economics:

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Harvard University : Located in the United States, Harvard consistently ranks among the top universities for economics due to its renowned faculty and research opportunities. Tuition for master's programs at Harvard can vary by program. For the 2024 academic year, it may range from approximately $45,000 (INR 3,735,000) to $60,000 (INR 4,980,000), depending on the specific program. 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) : Massachusetts Institute of Technology is known for its strong emphasis on economics and its connection to various research centers. MIT's master's program in economics, such as the Master of Science in Economics, generally has tuition fees for the 2024 academic year ranging from approximately $53,450 (INR 4,436,350) to $61,920 (INR 5,139,360).

Stanford University : Stanford's economics department is highly regarded for its research and academic programs. Stanford's master's programs, like the Master of Arts in Economics, can have tuition fees in the range of $50,000 (INR 4,150,00) or more.

Princeton University : Princeton University offers a distinguished economics program with an emphasis on research and theoretical economics. Princeton University offers a Master in Public Affairs (MPA) program with tuition that can vary but generally falls within the range of $55,000 (INR 4,565,000) to $60,000 (INR 4,989,000).

University of Chicago : The University of Chicago is famous for its rigorous approach to economics and has produced many Nobel laureates in the field. Tuition for master's programs at the University of Chicago is approximately $72,000 (INR 5,976,000).

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) : London School of Economics is one of the top schools for economics in the United Kingdom and Europe. It's known for its social sciences research. LSE offers various master's programs in economics, with tuition fees for international students ranging from approximately £19,584 (INR 1,974,350) to £28,752 (INR 2,903,952) for the 2024 academic year.

University of Oxford : The University of Oxford , located in the United Kingdom, offers a strong economics program and is known for its contributions to the field. Tuition fees for master's programs at the University of Oxford vary by program and nationality. For international students, they can range from approximately £24,000 (INR 2,424,000) to £37,000 (INR 3,737,000) or more.

University of Cambridge : Another prestigious institution in the United Kingdom, the University of Cambridge offers a variety of economics programs and research opportunities. Cambridge also offers various master's programs, with tuition fees varying by program and nationality. For international students, fees are £37,396 (INR 3,776,990) or higher.

University of Toronto : The University of Toronto is a prominent Canadian institution known for its economics department and research contributions. Tuition for master's programs at the University of Toronto can vary by program and residency status. For international students, it may range from approximately CAD 21,000 (INR 1,274,7000) to CAD 44,000 (INR 2,670,800) or more.

From the Desk of Yocket 

A Master's or Doctoral program in Economics is highly coveted globally, offering huge opportunities in both national and international career landscapes. Pursuing your higher education in Economics at a prestigious institution not only exposes you to invaluable experiences but also hones your analytical abilities, setting you on a trajectory for career excellence.

However, securing admission into a renowned university for a Master's in economics may be a difficult task, but it is certainly attainable. A well-crafted Statement of Purpose (SOP) is pivotal in bolstering your application, and Yocket Premium is your go-to resource for creating an SOP that distinguishes you from the competition. With personalized 1:1 counseling sessions, an expert document editor, and an easy-to-manage application tracker, Yocket Premium offers a comprehensive solution to address all your application concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions about writing an SOP for MSc/Masters/Doctoral/PhD in Economics

How long should my SOP be?

There is no specific length requirement for an SOP, but it is generally recommended to keep your SOP to 1-2 pages.

What are some tips for writing a strong SOP for an MSc/Masters/Doctoral/PhD in Economics?

Here are some tips for writing a strong SOP for an MSc/Masters/Doctoral/PhD in Economics: 1. Be specific and avoid using clichés. 2. Be honest and authentic. 3. Be enthusiastic and show your passion for economics. 4. Proofread and edit your SOP carefully before submitting it.

What should I include in my SOP for an MSc/Masters/Doctoral/PhD in Economics?

When writing your SOP for an MSc/Masters/Doctoral/PhD in Economics, include the following: 1. Your interest in economics: Explain why you are interested in economics and what drew you to the field. Be specific and mention any relevant personal or professional experiences that have shaped your interest. 2. Your academic and professional background: Highlight your relevant academic and professional experiences, including any coursework, internships, or jobs that you have had in economics or related fields. Be sure to emphasize any skills or knowledge you have gained from these experiences that will be valuable in the graduate program. 3. Your academic and professional goals: Discuss your academic and professional goals for the future. How will the graduate program help you achieve these goals? 4. Your fit with the program: Explain why you are a good fit for the graduate program to which you are applying. Be specific about what you like about the program and how your skills and interests align with the program's curriculum.

How do you write a statement of purpose for a Ph.D. in economics?

To write a Statement of Purpose (SOP) for a Ph.D. in economics: Strong introduction: Begin with a compelling opening that explains your interest in economics and the specific area of research. Highlight your academic background: Discuss your academic achievements, relevant coursework, and any prior research experience in economics. Explain your research interests: Clearly state your research interests and the questions you want to explore in your Ph.D. Connect with the program: Explain why you're interested in that particular program, citing professors, resources, or research centers. Discuss your career goals: Describe how the Ph.D. will help you achieve your career objectives in economics. An SOP is your opportunity to showcase your passion, qualifications, and alignment with the program. It should be a compelling narrative that convinces the admissions committee of your suitability for a Ph.D. in economics.

What is the purpose of a Ph.D. in economics?

The purpose of a Ph.D. in economics is to develop advanced expertise and research skills, enabling graduates to contribute to economic knowledge, tackle complex issues, and pursue careers in academia, policymaking, consulting, and various sectors.

Can I write SOP in 3 days?

You can write a Statement of Purpose (SOP) in 3 days with a strategic plan, but it is advisable to finish and finalize your SOP at least 4 weeks before your application deadline. The SOP is a crucial document, and giving yourself ample time for reflection, revision, and feedback can significantly improve its quality and effectiveness.

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OSU ECONOMICS PH.D. PROGRAM APPLICATION: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.     Can I earn an MA in Economics at The Ohio State University?   Yes, but the Department of Economics at OSU does not offer a stand-alone or terminal M.A. program, and admits only the Ph.D. program applicants. Once admitted to our Ph.D. program, you can obtain our M.A. in Economics en route to your Ph.D., usually at the end of the first year curriculum. Also, Ph.D. students in non-economics programs at OSU can obtain our M.A. in Economics by meeting both the course and exam requirements.   2.     Can I apply to your Ph.D. program with just a Bachelor’s degree?   Yes, students must have successfully completed or be expected to complete the minimum of a four-year U.S.  Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent at the time of their matriculations.   No Master’s degree (M.A. /M.S.) is required for your Ph.D. application.    3.     Do I need to have a Bachelor’s degree in economics to apply to the PhD program?   No, we do not require a Bachelor’s degree in economics to apply to our Ph.D. program.   However, our curriculum presumes that a prospective graduate student has a strong undergraduate program in mathematics and statistics.   We also recommend that your undergraduate curriculum includes courses in intermediate microeconomics, macroeconomics, and basic econometrics.   4.     Do you accept applicants with a three-year Bachelor’s degree?   Applicants are required to have completed an equivalent of a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation.  A three-year foreign degree will not usually do.   Applicants should contact Graduate Admissions to determine if they meet this requirement for admission at http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/gpcontacts.html .   5.     Do I need to submit my degree certificate with my application material?   No, we require your official transcripts, not your degree certificates, to complete your application. Remember to upload one set of scanned official transcripts per institution online to OSU Graduate Admissions.   6.     Where do I send official transcripts?   Upload one set of scanned official transcripts per institution online for Grad Admissions. See the Application Checklist webpage for more information.   7.     How long are my GRE and TOEFL scores valid?   GRE scores are valid for up to five years following the test date. TOEFL scores are valid for up to two years following the test date.   8.     What are your GRE and GPA requirements for admission?   Applicants must have the minimum 3.00 undergraduate GPA for graduate admission with our without financial support.  The GPA benchmark for financial support considerations including fellowships is a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.60. However, you may still be eligible for funding even if you do not meet this requirement; we will evaluate your entire application to see if there may be other strengths that compensate.     9.     Do I need to take the TOEFL if I am pursuing a Master’s degree in the US?    You are exempt from taking the TOEFL if you receive a four-year Bachelor’s degree or higher in the US. See additional information regarding language requirements here .   10.  Do I need to submit a writing sample?      It is not required, but is encouraged.     11.  Is Statement of Purpose required to complete my application?  What is a Statement of Purpose?   Yes, you are required to submit Statement of Purpose (SOP).   Your SOP should articulate in approximately 1-1.5 pages (1) your reason and motivation for pursuing a Ph.D. in economics to attain your career goal, and (2) at least two prospective fields of concentration and your reason for these fields.  Your GPA and course performance can be read from your transcripts.  Your major achievements such as honors and awards should be in your C.V.  Your academic record, strengths and potential should be stated in the letters of recommendation we receive.    Use SOP to state aspects that are not obvious from your transcripts, C.V. and letters.     12.  Will you accept recommendation letters from former employers?   It is strongly recommended that an applicant obtain at least three academic recommendation letters from individuals who can provide a credible assessment of the applicants’ academic preparedness for graduate study.  Seek someone who can state and qualify your academic strengths and research potential beyond what we can see in your transcripts.    13.  Can the department waive my application fee?   No, applicants are solely responsible for all fees associated with their application process to our Ph.D. program.   14.  Do I still have to submit hard copy versions of my application material if I submitted the same material online?   No, any application material submitted online need not be posted via mail or delivery services.   15.  Will you accept application material submitted after the application deadline?   We expect that applicants make a concerted effort to submit completed application materials by our published deadlines.  Any applicant requesting financial support should officially apply online, send all required application material, and pay the application fee by  the published deadlines.  Applications received after the published deadlines will be reviewed to the best of our capacity, but can miss the first round of admissions and a chance for financial support considerations.   16.  Do you offer any Teaching or Research Assistantships for first-year Ph.D. students?   No, except for very special cases, we do not offer teaching or research assistantships for our first year students.  Students are eligible for Teaching or Research Assistantships beginning in the second year, contingent upon their normal academic progress.     17. What is the timeline of the funding award process?   After the November 30 deadline, our committee evaluates all applications and makes nominations for the University Fellowship competition in mid-January. The results of the competition are announced in mid-February. However, if you have been admitted, even if you do not receive a University Fellowship, it does not necessarily mean you have been eliminated from consideration. The department awards funding on a rolling basis between mid-February and April 15. Note that due to the nature of the process, it is not always possible to estimate when awards can be made in advance.   We abide by the Council of Graduate Schools April 15 resolution , which states in part that “Students are under no obligation to respond to offers of financial support prior to April 15; earlier deadlines for acceptance of such offers violate the intent of this Resolution.” All offers of financial support are made on this understanding.    Don’t see your question above? Contact Rick Tobin, [email protected] with more questions.

Economics PhD Statement of Purpose Tips

Are in learning how to write an outstanding economics PhD statement of purpose? Then you’ve come to the right place! Writing a compelling statement of purpose can be difficult, especially for students applying to competitive schools.

Your statement of purpose must stand out from the competition so it comes as no surprise that many applicants seek guidance when crafting their essays. In this blog post, we will discuss key elements of an effective economics PhD statement of purpose and provide helpful tips on everything from outlining to polishing your essay before submitting it. With this advice, you can take control of the PhD in economics application process with confidence and demonstrate why you are an ideal candidate for admission into the program.

Research the Program

This is perhaps the most important tip for all economics PhD statement of purpose writers out there: research the program you’re applying to! What specific research areas do they specialize in? Who are their faculty members and what are their research interests? What opportunities does the program offer that align with your goals? And, most importantly, how well will you fit in this environment? By delving deep into the program’s website and faculty profiles, you can tailor your statement of purpose to highlight your alignment with the program’s values and goals.

Avoid templates at all costs

We strongly recommend that you do not use templates of previous economics PhD statements of purpose that can be found on the internet. Take our word for it, admissions committees can smell a template from a mile away!

This is because such templates are either generic in nature or unlikely to reflect your unique attributes. Moreover, they may be outdated as admission requirements can change over time and thus, using a template that does not take into account up-to-date information or trends in the field could hurt your chances of getting admitted.

Furthermore, most universities require applicants to write a statement of purpose that accurately reflects their personality and aspirations; therefore, it would be difficult for you to personalize a template written by someone else.

Finally, using a template from the internet- even for inspiration- also reduces your creativity and originality, which can be important factors in the selection process . Although it’s hard, take the time to write a statement of purpose that reflects your own unique experiences and qualifications.

Don’t rush it

Writing an economics PhD statement of purpose can be as time-consuming as preparing for the GRE. It is important to allow a sufficient amount of time in its writing as this document will provide insight into your academic and personal background, relevant experiences, and your future goals. A well-written statement of purpose can make or break your chance of being accepted into a competitive program; therefore, it is essential to invest sufficient time into constructing the perfect statement that reflects who you are as a person and student. Taking this extra step to create a thoughtful and compelling statement shows how genuinely serious you are about being accepted into the program.

(If you are wondering about what to look for in a PhD program, watch this quick video where I break it down for you.)

Stay Organized

Structure is key when it comes to the statement of purpose. Start with an attention-grabbing introduction that sets the stage for your academic journey. Move on to discussing your educational background and research experiences, followed by your long-term goals and how the Economics PhD program aligns with those aspirations. Lastly, conclude with a brief summary that ties together all of the aforementioned elements. Remember, clear and concise writing goes a long way.

Know your audience and avoid TMI

The importance of presenting a scientific tone in a statement of purpose cannot be overstated. The tone used in any statement of purpose should always reflect a level of academic professionalism – such as avoiding slang words and abbreviations – while still conveying enthusiasm for the subject matter. Keeping personal information to a minimum will demonstrate respect for the profession and also help focus attention on the most important elements presented in the statement of purpose. By being mindful when crafting your statement, you can ensure that your personal goals will be accurately represented and taken seriously.

Describe your prior research experience

If you’ve had the opportunity to engage in research before applying to the PhD program, don’t be afraid to flaunt it. Research experience can be a key factor in demonstrating your dedication to the field of economics in your application. It is important to highlight any research you have conducted, internships or summer programs that you may have participated in, and even any volunteer experience that provided an opportunity for research-related activities.

Examples of research activities could include conducting empirical studies, data analysis and modeling, or designing simulations and experiments. If available, try to provide tangible evidence of the impact of the research (such as publications, awards received, and presentations given). Additionally, make sure to explain how the knowledge gained through these experiences will help you contribute at an advanced level during your PhD program.

Highlight your research interests

Admissions committees want to know that you have a deep understanding of economics and a clear direction for your research. Spend a paragraph or two discussing the areas of economics that you find most fascinating and why. Demonstrate that you are familiar with the current literature in your field and show how your research interests fit into the broader economic landscape.

Economics is a broad field with a lot of sub-disciplines. It’s important to show that you have clear research interests and have done your homework on the program you’re applying to. Talk about specific research questions you’re interested in exploring and how they relate to the program’s strengths. Don’t just regurgitate the program’s website; show that you’re genuinely excited about the research possibilities at your fingertips.

Discuss your research goals

Admissions committees want to know that you have a clear and ambitious pathway for your future. Discuss your long-term goals and how obtaining a PhD in economics will help you achieve them. Doing so can help demonstrate your commitment to the field and show that you have thoughtfully considered your future endeavors. To discuss your long-term research goals, consider how the research you want to do aligns with the program’s focus, if there are any professors whose work aligns with yours that you would like to collaborate with, and what legacies or contributions you hope to make within the field.

Additionally, think through any challenges or problems you’d like to tackle with your research as well as how this particular program supports those ambitions. Be sure to also explain why these objectives are meaningful and important to you. Doing so can help differentiate you from other applicants and give them a better sense of what makes you unique from the rest of the pool of applicants. Be sure to focus on your individual objectives and how they will contribute to the field, rather than generic goals everyone shares. This will show that you have put time into thinking about your own personal growth within the field, and what kind of mark you hope to leave behind.

By including your long-term research goals in your economics PhD statement of purpose, you can demonstrate that you understand the importance of understanding one’s audience and how to tailor communication strategies accordingly. Doing so shows that you are not only passionate about the field but also have the competence to excel in the program. Additionally, it helps to show that you have put thought into planning and setting achievable goals for yourself. Utilize this opportunity to make an impression on the reader and create a vivid picture of your future aspirations and plans within this field.

Discuss your short-term and long-term career goals

The importance of aligning your short-term and long-term career goals with the training provided by the PhD program cannot be overstated. By clearly outlining these aspirations in your statement of purpose, you can present yourself as an ideal candidate who has taken time to consider how this particular program fits their academic and professional needs. Doing so provides admissions committees with evidence that you are well-suited for success within that field, while also demonstrating an understanding of current developments or trends in the discipline. In addition, sharing your long-term career goals gives insight into what sort of research you plan to pursue after graduation.

Show, Don’t Tell

We’ve all heard this phrase at some point in our academic careers, but what does it actually mean? Don’t just state that you’re passionate about economics and that you are great at research; instead, demonstrate your knowledge of economic terminology and methods, your research and analytical abilities, your communication skills, and your ability to think critically and write effectively.

Examples of ways to demonstrate these skills include referencing relevant economic theories or principles when discussing your past academic experiences, providing evidence of independent research you have conducted, outlining how your current studies will help you accomplish future goals related to economics, and effectively communicating ideas through clear and concise writing.

Additionally, demonstrating an understanding of the program’s requirements as well as knowledge of the faculty members’ interests can be beneficial. By showcasing your academic strengths on paper, admissions committees can gain a better understanding of your potential as an economics PhD student .

Avoid buzzwords and jargon

While it may be tempting to use buzzwords like “innovative” or “cutting-edge,” refrain from doing so. These words have become so overused and vague that they’ve lost all meaning. It is also important to avoid using jargon because it can be confusing and off-putting to readers.

Jargon is highly specific language that may only be used by experts in the field–meaning that it will not be understood by people who are unfamiliar with the topic. A statement of purpose should instead explain major concepts in plain language so that anyone reading it can understand your goals and motivations for pursuing a doctorate in economics.

By avoiding jargon, you ensure that your message comes across clearly and effectively, which can help convince readers why you are an ideal candidate for the program. Additionally, using plain language helps communicate your enthusiasm and knowledge about the subject while showing you have done your research. In this way, you can make a strong impression and stand out from other applicants.

Ask for feedback

When writing a statement of purpose, it is important to seek input from other academics. Doing so provides an opportunity to obtain valuable feedback and advice about topics such as organization, content structure, and language usage. Additionally, obtaining feedback from multiple sources helps ensure that the statement of purpose reflects the desired tone and goals. Furthermore, seeking out input can provide new perspectives on your written work which can in turn help you develop a more compelling statement of purpose.

Don’t hesitate to seek out a professional opinion as you work on your statement of purpose. It is important to reach out to individuals who are knowledgeable about academia and have credentials that support their expertise. Potential contacts may include professors, economists from think tanks or research institutes, and PhD admissions professionals. When contacting these individuals, clearly explain why you need their advice and what you hope to gain from it.

It is also important to consider other resources that can provide valuable feedback and information related to economics PhD programs. Research papers, books, websites, articles, and podcasts can be helpful tools for gaining knowledge about potential programs and understanding what successful applicants have done to gain admission. Utilizing these sources can help you refine your statement of purpose so that it accurately reflects your interests and goals within economics.

Finally, attending events hosted by universities or discussion groups organized by economists are excellent ways to learn more about the field and hear from people who have a wealth of knowledge and experience. With a combination of the right resources and academic experts, you will be well-equipped to make your statement of purpose stand out from other applicants.

In sum, writing an effective economics PhD statement of purpose requires synthesizing your research strengths and interests, as well as discussing what makes you the ideal candidate. By following the tips provided in this blog post, you can craft a powerful essay that will likely make a lasting impression on admissions committees.

Keep in mind that it is important to dedicate ample time to restructuring, drafting, and revising your essay. For further assistance in polishing your essay before submitting it or to gain additional insights into creating an effective statement of purpose, check out our statement of purpose editing services . Crafting a well-written statement of purpose that highlights how you can contribute to the program can significantly increase your chances of success! Got questions about the application process, or would like to get a quick assessment of your SOP? Sign up for a consultation , or send us your draft for an estimate. It’s FREE!

With a Master’s from McGill University and a Ph.D. from New York University, Philippe Barr is the founder of The Admit Lab . As a tenure-track professor, Philippe spent a decade teaching and serving on several graduate admission committees at UNC-Chapel Hill before turning to full-time consulting. With more than seven years of experience as a graduate school admissions consultant, Philippe has stewarded the candidate journey across multiple master’s and Ph.D. programs and helped hundreds of students get admitted to top-tier graduate programs all over the world .

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for tips and tricks on navigating the grad school application process and weekly live Q&A sessions!

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PhD applicants: Writing your statement of purpose (social science and humanities)

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In this blog post, Chris Blattman gives advice on how to write a compelling statement of purpose for PhD applicants in the social science and humanities. Excerpt: I’ve read a lot of personal statements for PhD applications. I sat on admissions at UChicago, Columbia, and Yale, mostly in economics, political science, and public policy. Here’s the advice I’ve given my own students and research assistants to craft their statements. I give it because, sadly, I don’t find most statements helpful. This means they are not helping you, the applicant. Read the full article here.

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SOP for Econ PhD

By reactor October 9, 2005 in Graduate Admissions

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I was wondering how to write a "good" SOP for a PhD in Economics program.

I was told that a "good" SOP should include:

1) why you want to study to this specific school

2) why you want to study with this faculty

3) your background / accomplishments

4) clear research interests. i.e. the research questions you would like to address in your research.

and perhaps something else that I cannot recall right now

my questions:

i) how does one find what his/her research interests are? sure I like "game theory" but reading graduate textbook(s) in topic and doing research in

this topic is very different (is it?) so how do I start? by reading articles? (and then which articles, the most recent ones or the "seminal" ones?)

ii) how does one find out if his/her research interests match with the faculty of the school s/he is applying to? by reading faculty's publications?

iii) what reasons to mention for 1) ?

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thank you andyecon for your post!

So we read the faculty's publications and if we like them we can mention it in the SOP but what about coming up with clear research interests? :hmm:

Freethinker

I wrote an SOP, and I sounded like an arrogant jackass that knew as much as an arrogant jackass :D

Then again that isn't quite s bad, seeing as everyother SOP I've read has made everyone else sound exactly the same. My advice is this

1) Go to your Career Resource center and ask them. They have some nice books with excellent examples. Nothing beats examples

2) You must have a mentor or something, have them read your stuff and blast it to hell.

MY SOP went like this

- I start off saying I fell into economics; in all honesty I thought I was going to be a math major. Although I was great at it, math wasn't for me so I looked for other majors. I then found econ, and liked it for various reasons.

-Next I talk about my goals, and why I want to go to graduate school. This is the part where I feel like I am plain kissing ***.

-Finally comes research. Problem is

a) I don't want to pinpoint a single discipline precisely as that can hurt me. They may not want me if they are cutting on that discipline

b) I might sound like an idiot who doesn't know what I am talking about, which is probably likely

c) Being general makes you sound indecisive, which is bad

d) Being too general makes you sound like you have no committment

The list of terror keeps on going XD

I have a proposition: seeing as we are all in the same boat why don't we all post our sad attempts at an SOP and help each other edit. Sound good ?

In my opinion, there are three things to keep in mind when you write your SOP:

1) Don't waste too much time on your SOP. It is by far the least important part of your application.

2) Have a look at field rankings. Find out what the department you're applying to is good at. Mention one of those fields as your field of interest. So don't say that your interested in finance if there is nobody on the senior faculty doing finance. Or rather, don't apply anywhere where your true interests are not shared by at least two faculty members.

3) Don't go into too much detail why you want to attend school A. There are two reasons: (a) the people at school A know that you will probably write the same in your SOP for school B and (b) it is very hard to come up with compelling reasons why you want to go to school A and not to B. So rather skip it than write something that's not credible.

Hopefully this will help you a bit. I remember what is was like when I wrote my SOP one year ago and I didn't want to believe the people who told me that I should not spend so much time on my SOP. I wanted it to be perfect, wanted to believe that it really mattered. But the sad truth is that it's all about reference letters and grades. Sad because there is not much you can do about either in the two months before you mail off your applications.

Hi guys...I am by no means and expert writing SOP's but here is something I did and it seems to work :)

Hope this helps!

************************

1. State as clearly as you can what you want to say and be direct. You should try to communicate smth that convinces the committee that you deserve to be adm. Something like: (i) I know what I am getting into (grad studies)...this is very important!!! sometimes you don't get accepted just because the committee members aren't sure you know what grad studies means in that they are pretty different from undergrad studies; (ii) point out your strengths and weaknesses and state how you think you can deal with your weak points...the problem is not the weaknesses you might have but how you are supposed to deal with them; (iii) End the statement with some convincing stuff telling adm comm members that you're worth of admission!

2. Read and write as many times as you can. The more you read and rewrite, the better it turns out to be.

3. Ask for opinions about the general feeling of your SOP. Try to difersify the pool of opinions, i.e., ask to some CS guys but also to some that aren't related to CS (any friend of yours).

4. Once you feel right reading your sop, you might begin to think you have ended up with an acceptable statement.

5. At this stage is not that important if you state or not your clear reseacrh path. The SOP is not a research proposal and admcom members know you will probably (almost surely I'd say) change or sharpen your mind after you go thru fisrt year theory courses. So, don't get desperated if you do not have very clear what to do. Just outline some idea of what you would like to do and what your main interests are. The idea is to give some guidance to admcom members to see if their program is well suited for you (meaning, if they have enough faculty to supervise you later).

The point is there is litter clearly-known about what factors would be considered important in adcom's judegments in GENERAL , not to mention for any particular falculties (they should differ), for a particular year (again, they should differ), and for a particular candidate ( I suspect they have differet criterions, albeit roughly equivalent, for students with different backgrounds and from different regions).

A Comlumbia prof wrote to me:" We look at GRE score, LOR and SOP, so they should be as strong as possible" ( I suppose he forgot to mention GPA )

So, I would advise anyone to try as good as it can at all aspects of the application. Surely, it is not a typical economic "maximizing efficiency of resources allocation" advice ;)

So, here is my problem. My interests are in

1. game theory, but more specifically in principle-agent games and experiments. 2. other applied micro, ala Steven Levitt

3. growth theory

I have no idea if I should include all of these in each statement. I feel like it would be a bad idea. I am thinking that maybe I will write a master statement and shift portions in and out for each school.

How many topics are you guys planning on mentioning interest in?

So, here is my problem. My interests are in   1. game theory, but more specifically in principle-agent games and experiments. 2. other applied micro, ala Steven Levitt 3. growth theory 4. labor   I have no idea if I should include all of these in each statement. I feel like it would be a bad idea. I am thinking that maybe I will write a master statement and shift portions in and out for each school.   How many topics are you guys planning on mentioning interest in?

This is exactly what I did for my master's SOPs to London schools last year. It worked out pretty well. I had one or two paragraphs that I changed for each school. Try not to make it too cut and paste though.

But none of these schools, including LSE, are nearly as competitive as the places you and I will apply this year.

For some reason I consider more difficult to get in LSE with full financial aid than in some top 10 US Econ PhD programs. :hmm:

Indeed, they are penny pinching bastards :D

• 2 weeks later...

I 've been thinking to read some articles from the faculty of the schools I will be applying to. Do you think it will help in my SOP? Do you think I should mention articles / faculty in the SOP ? :hmm:

(and if I am to read some articles, which ones? working papers only? the most recent published? from the last 5 years?) :hmm:

I have been reading working papers by professors from my top choices, but I am also unsure if I should mention these articles in my statement.

On one hand, it could show that you are very interested in the program and you have ideas about what you could work on and with whom you could work. On other other hand, it could seem like you are currying favor and the professor could think that the book is closed on the subject as far as further research. It is all very frustrating! If only the gurus from last year were around; damn the difficulty of the first year and how it takes away forum reading time!

I'd like to add something into this discussion: although I am not an Econ major (aiming at PolSci) I guess our problem with writing a SoP is pretty much the same:

in my case, i've got a particular interest in terms of research (writing a comparative study of Germany and Japan: politics of reconciliation after ww2). On the other hand, I am intersted in so many other subfields of Political Science and of course I don't want to disqualify myself by being either too narrowly focused on the one hand or by being too general.

what if I (we?) do the following:

"As my academic bacground suggest, my research interestes are wide, ranging from......(here I could list many of the subfields of my interest). However, recently i've been working on this research project which deals with.....I'd like to work and successfully finish this project in the future, possibly as part of my PhD research work.

something like this?

i mean by this one would show a particular interest as well as a general interest in other areas. From what I know about the work of many profs. and researchers, they also change their areas of research after a while (some do so in order get training in other fields, others because they've become more interested in something else etc.). Certainly, there are also those who have always researched in a specific field for whole academic life. However, no one cannot really tell what will happent to you or them, so admis must be clear about it.

snappythecrab

a friend asked me: "Berkeley makes everyone fill out a statement where we say how our education will help "an educationally underrepresented group in society".... what should I say?"

a friend asked me: "Berkeley makes everyone fill out a statement where we say how our education will help "an educationally underrepresented group in society".... what should I say?"   any ideas?

Are you a woman and are there not many top female professors in your field? Write about that! Are you from a poor family (e.g. your grandparents worked really hard to allow your parents to study and they then climbed up the social ladder)? Write about it! Are you the first one in your family to get a (graduate) degree? Write about that! Are you a foreigner from a developing country? Write about it! If you're American and part of a minority group? Write about that! If you're not any of these, then I don't have a clue! Maybe something about your own educational background, if e.g. you come from an inner-city high school in a delapidated area from which hardly anyone even gets a college degree... Just some ideas... :)

• 3 weeks later...

Note/Update:

I mention profs that I'd like to work with and their research interests (as a justification) in my SOP. Well known prof that proof-read my SOP suggested that I go into even more detail by mentioning specific papers. We warned that this has the risk of mentioning a paper that the author considers "an exception" for his/her research but he also pointed out the big advantage over "the undergraduates applying to this program that have no idea about who does what research".

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